Hi Global Recap readers,

Many view X as being a platform that honors freedom of speech.

This begs the question: where does freedom begin and end?

Regarding the recent mini-feud between Musk and an EU commissioner, this question is being floated around again. And today, I ask you to please chip in and let us know what your views are.

🌐 Here’s what’s up around the world:

• 🚨 Finland on High Alert Against Russia.

• 🛢️ Biden’s Iran Oil Policy Under Fire.

• 🚫 Israel: No Water Before Hostages Return.

• 📱 Schools: Delete Your Kids’ Social Media.

• 🇪🇺 X and Meta: Two Very Different Responses to EU

Let’s get into today’s news.

📈 Top News

🚨 Finland on High Alert Against Russia. A team of Finnish security experts warns that Russia is preparing to take action against Finland, such as sabotaging its infrastructure and spreading propaganda.

Russia views Finland as a hostile state due to its NATO membership and proximity to Russia.

Click for more

🛢️ Biden’s Iran Oil Policy Under Fire. Biden is facing criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for allowing Iran to boost its oil exports under his watch, which is undoubtedly funding its nuclear and terrorist activities.

Click for more

🚫 Israel: No Water Before Hostages Return. Israel is denying Gaza humanitarian aid, electricity, water, and fuel until Hamas frees all the Israeli hostages they have taken.

Click for more

📱 Schools: Delete Your Kids’ Social Media. Amid fears of Hamas militants broadcasting unsettling hostage videos, schools across Israel, the UK, and the US are urging parents to wipe their children’s social media apps clean.

Click for more

✍️ In-Depth

United States
X and Meta: Two Very Different Responses to EU

👎 Meta and X. The EU is cracking down on social media platforms for spreading misinformation and illegal content, especially related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has sent a letter to Meta and X, warning them about the rise of disinformation and illegal content on their platforms. He urged them to take more responsibility and action to combat the problem.

✉️ Letter to Elon Musk

You should read the rather entertaining exchange between the commissioner and Musk. 🤣 

Here’s the summary:

• Commissioner: Makes allegations about X not doing enough to deal with the spread of illegal content and disinformation on the platform.

• Musk: Asks the commissioner to list the specific violations.

• Commissioner: Breton basically says, “You know what I am talking about. Talk to my team for more info.”

• Musk: Claps back, telling Breton to be transparent and list the violations.

• Commissioner: Silence.

• Musk: “I still don’t know what they’re talking about! Maybe it’s in the mail or something.”

Understandably, people mocked the commissioner.

However, 𝕏 CEO Yaccarino responded:

In short: The platform has “taken action to remove or label tens of thousands of pieces of content.” These include various Hamas-affiliated accounts.

Essentially: “We are doing everything we can.”

✉️ Letter to Zuck

A Meta spokesperson told CNBC:

Obviously, it’s not as entertaining.

✉️ Question

This begs the question: Is this excessive censorship as many critics of the commissioner claim or is this necessary crackdown to subdue bad actors and ensure a safe online environment for people of all ages?

• There is no question that a person with the ability to sus out misinformation and time to do a bit of research is able to have access to a feed of real-time news updates on X.

• Is it appropriate for young children to view such horrific videos? I would think not. Despite the availability of the sensitive content setting, I wouldn’t count on children to have the setting on.

• Also, people who are quickly scrolling through the feed won’t have time to fact-check everything.

🌐 Opinion